Superior Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
At a time when most of Europe was shrouded in the Dark Ages, a sophisticated society emerged in the province of Andalusia in southern Spain and in the Maghreb in northern Africa. It is conventional to refer to this civilization as “Moorish,” but it was more accurately a hybrid of three powerful cultural forces: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The period when Moorish kings ruled Andalusia—Al-Andalus, as they called it—was a rare moment in history when members of the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a culture of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence.
This voyage from Tarragona to Lisbon visits several of the historical centers of this distinctive culture and asks the question whether it might be possible to learn something from this medieval example about a way forward through the turbulence and strife of our modern multicultural societies. With their vast experience in Dual Narrative guiding and conflict resolution work, two of your experts, Aziz Abu Sarah and Yuval Ben-Ami, bring a nuanced and deeply informed perspective to the dialogue. By sharing their intertwined legacies, they present a multi-narrative perspective that highlights the periods of coexistence and mutual influence, particularly during the Golden Age of Al-Andalus. These dialogues not only shed light on the historical interactions that shaped the Iberian Peninsula but also explore contemporary issues of identity, tolerance, and cultural heritage. Through their shared stories and diverse viewpoints, they create a space for mutual understanding and reflection, promoting a deeper appreciation of the region's pluralistic past and its relevance to today's multicultural societies.
Sailing from Tarragona, your first port of call is the city of Valencia, perhaps most famous for its production of oranges, but also a showcase of architectural diversity, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, to native architect Santiago Calatrava's exuberant 21st-century City of Arts and Sciences.
In Cartagena, your day begins with a tour of the city's emblematic Roman Theater, a remarkably well-preserved monument to the role of Cartagena in the defeat of Carthage in the second Punic War, and continues with a drive to Castillo de Concepcion for panoramic views over the city. Before returning to the ship, explore Calle Mayor, Cartagena's main street, where you will see the Gran Hotel and Cervantes House—and perhaps enjoy a liquored coffee, as locals do.
During the following two days, L'Austral will remain docked in Malaga, providing the opportunity to visit two of the most important centers of civic and cultural life during Andalusia's Golden Age. First, a full-day excursion brings you to Cordoba, a leading center of scholarship during the Middle Ages and the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba. Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Mezquita, an enormous 8th-century mosque converted to a Cathedral in the 13th century—a dazzling fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture that served as a model for much of the 'Moorish' architecture of southern Iberia and North Africa. Also visit the vibrant Jewish quarter of the city, with its 14th-century synagogue, and enjoy a lunch of Andalusian cuisine at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.
Your second full-day excursion from Malaga is devoted to exploration of the incomparable Alhambra in Granada, described by the leading Muslim art historian of the 20th century as "the greatest architectural expression of Islamic culture ever built."
Cádiz, one of Spain's oldest cities, is your gateway to Seville, where a stroll through the Murillo Gardens leads the way to the royal compound of the Real Alcazar. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the Mudéjar style in the 14th century, is today a sprawling complex incorporating architectural influences from the Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century. A short walk from the Alcazar is the Catedral de Sevilla—the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb.
From Lagos, near the southwestern tip of Portugal, you may choose between two ways to experience the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Algarve. You may stay in Lagos, tour the Old Town, visit the stunning rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of Algarve wines. Or you may travel the short distance to Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, from where Prince Henry the Navigator directed the expeditions that led to the discovery of Madeira and the Azores. Your voyage ends in Lisbon.
Ref : TL1245US - AU101025
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Mejdi tours
Travel company MEJDI Tours is a social enterprise that exists to create a more peaceful and connected world through travel. Founded in 2009 by two peacebuilders who wanted to harness the power of travel to make a social impact, MEJDI pioneered a socially conscious, multi-narrative approach to tourism.
MEJDI is one of the first certified B Corp travel companies and provides travelers with diverse cultural, religious, political, and ethnic perspectives to help them gain a nuanced understanding of a place while contributing positively to those who live there. Its work has been recognized by the National Geographic Society, the UN World Tourism Organization, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
MEJDI offers several multi-day tours in destinations across the world, specializes in custom affinity group tours, and is a trusted white-label tour operator. MEJDI’s co-founder Aziz Abu Sarah is a member of the Explorers Club and a TED Fellow whose TED Talk has more than 1.6M views.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Embarkation 10/10/2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 10/10/2025 at 6:00 pm
Tarragona is situated on the Costa Dorada, in the south of Spain’s Catalonia region. Known as Tarraco in Roman times, the city boasts very important archaeological and architectural vestiges that are magnificently well preserved. These earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. Do not miss this opportunity to visit the Roman amphitheatre, which is located on a beautiful natural site by the sea and is exceptionally well preserved. A stroll through the streets of the old medieval town to the cathedral, which was completed in the 14th century, is a wonderful way to end your visit to this welcoming city.
Arrival 11/10/2025 early morning
Departure 11/10/2025 late afternoon
Valencia - the city of Art and Sciences. Two hearts beat in this Spanish city: one is modern, avantgarde and almost futuristic; the other is more provincial, more traditional and nostalgic. Valencia has the temperament of a great Mediterranean city whose wide avenues form a border around the old town. The city has an abundance of architectural styles that coexist harmoniously, but above all it resolutely embraces the 21st Century with the futuristic structures of its Agora congress centre and City of Arts and Sciences, emerging from a crystal blue pool.
Arrival 12/10/2025 early morning
Departure 12/10/2025 early afternoon
Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.
Arrival 13/10/2025 early morning
Departure 14/10/2025 late afternoon
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
Arrival 15/10/2025 early morning
Departure 15/10/2025 evening
Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colourful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.
Arrival 16/10/2025 early morning
Departure 16/10/2025 late afternoon
There stands a natural paradise called Lagos, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. With its picturesque and age-old town centre, and the Ponta da Piedade natural site sheltering paradisiacal beaches protected by captivating limestone cliffs in hues of ochre, Lagos enthrals, fascinates and enchants. In this interesting blend between nature and culture, do not miss the chance to stroll along the small paved streets of its historic centre, surrounded by impressive Moorish ramparts and edged with traditional white houses, with decorations sculpted in the stone. In particular, you will be able to admire the Manuelian-style Governor's Castle, the 17th-century Ponta da Bandeira Fort or the Church of Santo António in Baroque architecture.
Arrival 17/10/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 17/10/2025 at 8:00 am
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
Not included:
Notes:
Program is subject to change without notice
Quintessential Collection
PONANT Quintessential Collection voyages are designed for travelers who want to engage with the world in order to understand it.
In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, these voyages include lectures and performances aboard ship by world class experts and musicians and one or two exceptional activities ashore that encourage guests to embrace the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of the local culture. They also offer pre- or post-cruise stay with excursions relevant to the theme. We believe that travel approached in this way has the power ato transform us and to make us better citizens of the world.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
17/10/2025 - CONFLUENCE OF CULTURES IN PORTUGAL: FROM LISBON TO PORTO (4 NIGHTS)
€2,480
Find out moreCatalonia enjoys one of the richest cultural heritages in Spain. This specially designed program introduces you to several distinct elements of that heritage from past to present day.
Day 1 – Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in Barcelona, where you will be met and transferred to the Almanac Barcelona. Check-in time is 3:00PM. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Barcelona
After breakfast at the hotel, join an excursion to the monuments and neighborhoods that define the extraordinary personality and vitality of Barcelona. Begin by immersing yourself in the spiritual and architectural wonder of Antoni Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia. Begun in 1884 and still unfinished, this monument of spirituality awes and inspires visitors from around the world. Your guided tour will introduce you to Gaudí's vision and to the ongoing effort to achieve it. Then, delve into the heart of Barcelona’s history by exploring Barrio Gótico, the oldest part of the city. Wander through its narrow, winding streets and discover hidden gems like the great 14th-century Cathedral, La Boqueria market and Casa Mila. After lunch, stroll along the famous La Rambla street to Plaza Catalunya for a meeting with an activist in the Catalonia Independence Movement or a journalist covering this social and political movement. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to explore the city at your leisure. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 3 – Barcelona | Sitges | Tarragona | Embark
After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, tour the gardens and architectural elements of Gaudi’s Parc Güell. Then, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, a boulevard adorned with stunning modernist architecture. Admire the architectural marvels of Gaudí's Casa Batlló and Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Amatller, two iconic buildings that form part of the renowned "Block of Discord" as you leave Barcelona toward Tarragona. Stop for lunch in the picturesque seaside town of Sitges. Make another stop in the iconic and viticultural Penedès Wine Region, where you will taste the local sparkling specialty of Cava. End at the pier in Tarragona to embark your ship in the late afternoon.
Your hotel:
Hotel Almanac Barcelona, located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, is a new (opened in 2018) boutique hotel in Barcelona’s city center, featuring 91 rooms and suites. It is only a few steps from Passeig de Gràcia, where you can find stylish shopping, restaurants, bars, and museums. The hotel itself houses a restaurant and a rooftop bar, a wellness and fitness center, and a rooftop pool.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
619-621, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes
L'Eixample
08007 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: +34 930 18 70 00
Total : €2,000
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Portugal is most often introduced to students of history as the country that led the way in Europe's discovery of sub-Saharan Africa, India, and East Asia. But throughout much of the modern era, Portugal, like the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, was in the avant garde of developments in the fields of art and architecture as well as a confluence of culture and religion from the surrounding regions. This specially designed program will introduce you to sites, cities, and monuments that celebrate all of these incredible aspects of Portugal's past and present.
Day 1 - Lisbon
After breakfast, disembark your ship. Your panoramic tour of Lisbon begins with a guided Tour of Alfama and Mouraria in Lisbon’s historic Old Town. Explore Alfama’s Moorish roots and its evolution under Christian rule. Dive deeper into Mouraria, Lisbon’s multicultural district, known for its role in Fado music and its diverse immigrant communities. Continue to the Museu do Aljube to learn about Portugal’s struggles for freedom and democracy, connecting to broader Mediterranean themes of resilience. After lunch, stop at the imposing Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama spent his last night before embarking on his voyage to India, and explore how Lisbon was a hub of global trade and exploration. Stop by the Monument to the Discoveries to delve into Lisbon’s maritime history. This evening, meet with a speaker that will discuss the Jewish migration to Portugal. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 2 – Lisbon | Coimbra | Porto
After breakfast at your hotel, learn about the art of Portuguese tile-making (azulejos), influenced by
Moorish designs and Mediterranean craftsmanship. Then, depart Lisbon towards Porto. En route, visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Templar and Manueline architecture. The site showcases Portugal’s Christian and Moorish influences and the Knights Templar’s role in history. Continue to the riverside city of Coimbra for a local traditional lunch and a visit to the Jewish Quarter, the site of one of Portugal's oldest synagogues. Explore the University of Coimbra, particularly the Joanina Library, which reflects Christian and Moorish artistic influences. Continue to Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal, known for the production of port wine. Check into your hotel and get settled in. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 3 – Douro Valley
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic journey to the Douro Valley, beginning with a visit to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego, a Baroque pilgrimage site with stunning azulejo-adorned staircases. Enjoy a traditional lunch overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills of the Douro Valley, then tour a historic wine estate to learn about port wine production and sample its finest offerings. Stop at a scenic viewpoint to admire the sunset as you return to Porto. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 4 – Porto
Start by exploring Porto’s Christian roots at one of its oldest monuments, with a visit to the Sé Cathedral and its Gothic cloisters. Then, take a walk through the old Jewish quarter to uncover traces of the city’s Sephardic history. End the tour at São Bento Railway Station, admiring the famous azulejo murals that depict key historical and religious scenes, offering a glimpse into the city’s cultural and spiritual evolution. Enjoy a farewell lunch followed by some free time and rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 5 – Porto | Depart
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight homeward.
Your hotel:
The Hotel Altis Avenida is a charming boutique hotel, with an extraordinary location in the center of Lisbon, in Praça dos Restauradores. The architecture and decoration are inspired by the 1940s and draw on the concept of "urban chic," where the past and the future meet, creating an atmosphere of charm and glamor. The hotel has 123 rooms, a Lobby Bar, and a fine dining restaurant on the top floor of the hotel that features the cuisine of chef João Rodrigues.
The Timbre Heroísmo Hotel is located in the vibrant Bonfim district of Porto, offering easy access to the historic center and many of the city’s best attractions. Guests can enjoy amenities like an outdoor rooftop gym, a tranquil garden, concierge, and Addverso gourmet restaurant and terrace bar.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Altis Avenida
Rua 1° Dezembro, 120
1200-360 Lisbon
Portugal
Telephone: +351 210 440 000
Timbre Heroísmo Hotel
Rua do Heroísmo 235
4300-259 Porto
Portugal
+351 22 012 3520
Total : €2,480
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.